American rock bassist and musician, Craig Gruber, best known as the original bassist in RAINBOW has passed away, when he was only 64 years old.
Craig was one of those legends who started his career in music in the golden age of rock music ’70’s. He joined ELF, consisting of vocalist Ronnie James Dio, they released 3 albums before Craig joined Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow. He released 8 studio albums with bands and artists such as ELF, RAINBOW, OZZ, Gary Moore and THE RODS.
Rock N Growl Promotions have released the news that RAVEN LORD‘s new bass player Craig Gruber has been endorsed by ESP Guitars.
Gruber in his own words on Facebook says: “Great News Today! I’m signing on with ESP Guitars for the Summer Festivals and the 2013/14 Raven Lord World Tour. I’m playing the black LTD Thunderbird 1004!! The RAINBOW shines on.”
Craig Gruber just recently joined up the multinational heavy metal band RAVEN LORD as their recording and touring bass player.
RAVEN LORD’s line up shapes up as follows:
Csaba Zvekan (D.O Messiah, Exorcism, Killing Machine) – Vocals
Joe Stump (Holy Hell, Reign of Terror) – Lead Guitars
Craig Gruber (Dio, Rainbow, Elf, Gary Moore) – Bass Guitar
George Karafotis (Vermillion Days) – Rhythm Guitars
Rich Smith (Power Quest) – Drums
The band recently got confirmed for R-MINE METALFEST 2013 and is scheduled to play main stage Saturday 22nd of June 2013. More Summer shows to be announced very soon.
RAVEN LORD summer shows trailer:
Rock ‘N Growl Promotion have announced that RAVEN LORD have found their new bass player: Craig Gruber.
GRUBER is best known for his work with bands like GARY MOORE, ELF, DIO and early RAINBOW and helped co-write BLACK SABBATH’s top selling album “Heaven and Hell” with RONNIE JAMES DIO on vocals.
RAVEN LORD are currently recording their second album due to be released in 2014. The record will contain tracks from metal guitar virtuoso JOE STUMP combined with modern edge riffage by GEORGE KARAFOTIS GK “The KID“. This next album will also include unreleased material from CRAIG GRUBER’s work wit BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW.
Singer and songwriter Csaba Zvekan will also produce this second record very much in the same manner like the critically acclaimed “Descent to the Underworld” that was released earlier this year.
RAVEN LORD’s singer Csaba Zvekan says:”With a smile on my face I seem to go to bed at night only to wake up with the very same expression on my face. I am overjoyed and absolutely happy to work with one of the top notch bass players on this planet. It is much more than that as Craig Gruber has played this music style in all his bands and makes the perfect addition to RAVEN LORD. On top of the good news we are also using songs that didn’t make it on BLACK SABBATH’s “Heaven and Hell” or were songs from the RAINBOW era. This is absolutely fantastic as we can give the fans an up to date version of some lost and found songs.”
Craig Gruber comments on joining the band: “I am very pleased to announce I have been asked to join the newest premier metal band on Earth!! Raven Lord! I have accepted this great opportunity to work record, and tour as bassist starting early Spring 2013. I am looking forward to putting out some great new music this year alongside (Csaba Zvekan, Joe Stump, GK “The Kid”, Rich Smith and Alessandro Duo). We are writing the CD as we speak! Lets put it like this friends…The Rainbow/Dio/Black Sabbath fans are going to be happy once again!! Cheers, see you all at the shows this year!! The RAINBOW SHINES ON!!!.”
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 